Tile and stone flooring are beautiful, durable and add value to your home. Tile flooring products are perfect for updating your kitchen, bathroom or entryway. When you choose professional installation services, you ensure each tile is level, every seam is sealed and your floors last for years to come.
At Hamernick’s, we put care and craftsmanship into each tile and stone flooring installation. This lets your floors stand up to daily life while transforming your space. Here’s what to expect before, during and after your new tile or stone floors are installed.
Why Professional Tile & Stone Installation Matters
Installing tile or stone is far from easy. Achieving a clean, professional finish takes precision, experience and the right tools. Uneven subfloors, incorrect mortar ratios or poor grouting can result in cracks, loose tiles and uneven surfaces over time.
Professional installation ensures your floors look beautiful, are structurally sound and last. At Hamernick’s, our installers are trained to handle each type of tile, including porcelain, ceramic, marble, slate and natural stone. We measure each tile, precisely plan the layout and handle the rest of your project details.
When you trust us, you’re getting great tile floors each time. We also give you floors that are built to last.
Understanding Tile & Stone Installation
Tile and stone floors are versatile enough to be installed in almost any room. Keep in mind that the process requires attention to detail and proper preparation.
Let’s break down the difference between tile and stone flooring:
- Tile Flooring (Ceramic or Porcelain): This option offers consistent patterns, easy maintenance and moisture resistance that’s ideal for kitchens, bathrooms and mudrooms.
- Stone (Marble, Granite or Slate): Choose these floors if you love natural variation, unique texture and an elegant one-of-a-kind finish that makes sense for luxury interiors.
No matter your preferred material, proper subfloor prep and installation make a huge difference when it comes to durability, appearance and performance.
Preparing for Your Tile Installation
Every tile flooring installation in a flooring services project begins with the prep work. Here’s how to get ready for our team to arrive:
- Clear the Space: Before we install your tile or stone flooring, furniture, decor and personal items should be removed from the area. If you have large or heavy furniture, look into hiring professional movers.
- Take Care of Existing Flooring: Our team will inspect your old flooring and determine if our flooring removal service is necessary. If it is, we’ll remove the old material and prepare the subfloor. Tile installation needs a clean, level and dry surface to make sure your new floors perform and look their best.
- Subfloor Preparation: If you don’t have a concrete subfloor, we install a cement backer board to create a strong, stable surface for the new tile or stone. This also provides proper moisture protection. Depending on the project, floor heights may vary. Our team will plan transitions between rooms to make your flooring look seamless.
- Plan for Access & Noise: Tile installation is noisy and dusty so plan ahead. Our team uses equipment to reduce disruption, but you should remember to keep pets and children out of the work area for safety and efficiency.
Considering adding tile flooring to multiple rooms? Start with one at a time. This keeps your home functional while installation takes place.
During Installation
Once your space is prepped, we take care of everything else. Here’s a breakdown of a tile floor installation step by step:
- Removal & Preparation: We remove old flooring, clean the subfloor and repair any cracks or uneven areas to create a smooth foundation for your new floors.
- Layout & Planning: Before we lay any tile, we plan the layout to give you a great pattern flow and minimal cutting. It also ensures even spacing, clean lines and balanced visual appeal.
- Mortar Application & Tile Installation: We evenly apply thinset mortar, place the tiles and use spacers for perfect alignment. We press each tile into place for maximum adhesion. As needed, tiles are cut or trimmed around corners, doorways and fixtures for a precise fit.
- Grouting & Finishing: After we set the mortar, we fill the joints with grout, sealing each tile into place. Once they dry, we clean the surface, remove any grout haze and inspect the subfloor for a smooth, even finish.
Tile and stone floors need time to cure before you walk on them. Generally, this takes 24-48 hours. Your installers will let you know when it’s safe to walk on your new floors.
After installation
Following your tile flooring installation, there are a few steps you have to follow:
- Allow Proper Curing: Wait 24-48 hours after installation to walk on your new floors. This allows the mortar and grout to set fully.
- Ventilate the Area: Open windows or run fans to remove any dust or adhesive odor.
- Clean Lightly: After curing, use a soft cloth or mop to remove any remaining dust or debris. Avoid harsh cleaners until the grout fully cures.
- Seal Natural Stone (if applicable): Stone flooring should be sealed to prevent stains and moisture absorption. Hamernick’s can recommend the best sealer for your chosen material.
In most cases, a new tile or stone floor needs up to a week to completely harden. After it cures, your floors are ready for everyday use, while providing lasting durability and style.
Maintaining Your New Tile & Stone Floors
Tile and stone floors require basic maintenance. Regular cleaning helps them look their best and last longer. Here are our tips:
- Sweep or Vacuum Regularly: This prevents dirt and grit from scratching the surface.
- Clean with Mild Cleaner: Use a manufacturer-approved tile cleaner and avoid acidic products like vinegar that damage the grout or stone.
- Protect High-Traffic Areas: Use rugs or mats in entryways or kitchens.
- Seal Grout Lines Periodically: Reapply grout sealer every year or two for lasting protection.
Tile care and maintenance starts with the basics. Taking these measures is essential to keeping your tile floors looking and performing at their best for years to come.
Schedule Your Tile or Stone Installation with Hamernick’s
If you’re wanting to invest in the beauty and value of your home, tile or stone flooring are the best ways to go. For professional tile installation services, you can turn to the most trusted flooring showroom, Hamernick’s. From initial measurements to the finishing touches, we pride ourselves on our simple, straightforward approach.
Ready to get started? Visit one of our showrooms in the following locations to check out our premium flooring collection:
or contact us today to learn more!
